Big fun in small towns
We are exploring roadside attractions and small town hot spots
After the evening we spent sheltering during tornado warning, we completed our journey to Elkhart, Indiana. We continued to plan not to plan, and took the trip one town at a time, stopping when Roadside America’s Roadside app told us there was something goofy or interesting to see.
Weathering the storm
The second night that we were at the Paducah KOA in Kentucky, we spent a few hours sheltering in the campground basement waiting out a tornado warning. When the warning expired and we went back the the Mini Lite, I couldn’t stop updating the weather apps. We also had the weather radio on, and I knew both of our phones were receiving warnings. Tony helped me, and another camper, disable the “do not disturb” feature on our phones. I think those warnings still come through, but I was not wiling to take any chances.
I usually have my phone on silent mode from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, because I have enough trouble sleeping without being disturbed by my phone ringing and dinging. We turned that off, and I still haven’t looked to figure out how to put it back on. Luckily, I haven’t been disturbed by my phone while I’m trying to sleep.
Morning, but not sunny
In the morning, we got outside and set up for check out so we could make a few more miles. It was not raining when we woke up, but by the time we were hooked up and went inside the office to thank them the “the great party” it started to rain, and we got soaked walking back to the truck!
The daily planet
Our first stop was in Metropolis, Illinois which is just over the Kentucky-Illinois border on the Ohio River.
Much older than it’s Superman fame, Metropolis was established in 1839. In 1972, “Project Superman” began. Now, there are Superman-themed gift shops, museums, murals, and statues scattered throughout the town. It was still really rainy, so we didn’t stop for long but we took turns jumping out of the truck to get some fun shots of the Mini Lite and Ram.
Also in Metropolis, we saw our first Big John Market, complete with a giant grocery clerk waving and carrying bags of groceries in the parking lot. Tony really braved the rain, and ran across the street for good shots. We went inside and bought fried chicken box lunches, which we enjoyed in the truck with he heater running. At some point in the past, John lost an arm and it was replaced but in a wave, rather than burdened with grocery sacks.
Later in the day, we would see another Big John in Eldorado, Illinois. This guy still has both arms and holds more groceries. We didn’t have any reason to get out in the rain, so we took photos as we rolled past.
Giant penny-farthing at Vienna Welcome Center
Sausage stop
Next up, we stopped in Vienna Illinois at the visitor center housed in an old train station. We love trains, and train stations, so this was a must-stop. The Roadside app touted the giant bicycle as the attraction to see. We liked the rail history better. Apparently the town is an important part of a bicycle race route.
They do have Vienna sausage cans displayed all over the museum. I don’t think there is any real connection other than the name, but they play it up. The docent told me a film crew had come through making a documentary on all the Viennas in the world. She did pronounce it with a long “I” though.
Big John, too
In Eldorado, we drove through town and pulled over long enough to get a picture of the other Illinois Big John. We didn’t need any groceries, and it was raining, so we moved on after the photo op.
Slow and Steady
We stopped in Flora, Illinois and found a place to eat. It was a small town, and so we found a small business and went in. The server was a wonderful young lady who told us about her extensive, international travels and plans for the future. She was very impressive. We fueled up our bellies and got back on the road.
We had requested a stay at a Harvest Host in Effingham, Illinois. Unfortunately, when we got to the location, we could not find the entrance. It was dark, rainy, and off a fairly busy county road. While Tony got us back on track, I found a Cracker Barrel and we called to verify we could spend the night.
Cracker Barrel breakfast tip
In the morning we went inside for a hearty breakfast before continuing the journey. I discovered a decadent way to enjoy my breakfast. I ordered a plate with French toast, and ordered a side of fried apples. I melted the butter on the toast, then poured the apples over the top and enjoyed a sweet, delicious breakfast dessert - this was only after I ate my meat and eggs like a good girl.
Casey, Illinois: big things in a small town
We were really happy that Casey Illinois was on our route. This town is famous for all is big things on display. A dozen of those “things” hold Guinness World Records.
A few years ago we stopped along the road in Cuba, Missouri and took some photos of the second-largest rocking chair. Up until 2015, it was the largest, until Casey built a larger one. I remember thinking that was a mean thing to do to poor little Cuba, Missouri. But I have to admit, the rocking chair in Casey Illinois is pretty darned impressive!
We wandered around the town for about an hour, having fun and taking photos of all the giant things. We finished just in time for the rain to start pouring down. We ducked into a coffee shop and had a cup of hot coffee until the rain slowed down a bit, then we high-tailed it to the truck.
Oh yeah, we had also popped into the butcher shop and bought some pork chops and some hot dogs for future meals.
Beer Me
That night we stopped in Crawfordsville, Indiana. There was a nearby museum we wanted to see the next morning. We got set up, then went in search of some local vibes. We found a place called Barefoot Burger, and it said there was a full bar. We figured beer would be an easy target. When we arrived, we discovered it was not only a bar, but a tiki bar! I ate a quesadilla, and Tony got spaghetti. The food really hit the spot after a cold rainy day of driving and exploring.
Rotating Jail
We were really intrigued by a museum in Crawfordsville Indiana, so in the morning we hooked up the trailer and headed that direction. After finding a big, safe place to park, we ignored the drizzle and went inside. The Montgomery County Rotary Jail and Sheriff’s Residence was built in 1882. It is a remarkable bit of architecture. Well, two bits actually. The front of the building was the sheriff’s residence and county office. Part of the structure, but really separated, was the rotating jail.
This place was an architectural marvel. On a center spindle, eight cells were attached on each of two stories. Each cell held two cots and a flushing toilet. The beauty of the design was that there was no way to get out of a cell, unless that cell was rotated to the opening near the guard’s room. It really cut back on staff. Unfortunately, it also cut off limbs. Drunks would not wake up enough to move away from the bars when the guard was rotating the rooms, and would lose appendages. The whole block was immobilized in 1930. The building is now a museum and you can tour the house and the jail. Of the original 18 rotating jails, only three remain, and only the one in Crawfordsville still rotates.
Let’s get there, already
We have had an absolute blast traveling slowly, checking out roadside sites recommended by Roadside America and Atlas Obscura, and really taking our time exploring this little slice of the country. We are, however, a little bit sick of the inside of the truck. We are ready to settle down for a few days. With that in mind, we saw our last must-see, and made a beeline for Elkhart Campground.
We arrived, checked in, and set up. Then we called our friend Stacy and met her and her husband for a beer and dinner.
Thanks for following our journey
It has been a spectacular couple of weeks on the road. We love slowing down and really seeing the goofy sites that all the small USA towns have to offer. I suspect every town and city in America has a Roadside America-worthy statue, or mural, or museum, that they love to show to their out-of-town guests. What is in your town?
